Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

84. To ask the Minister for Health the reason the Health Service Executive has failed to advertise vacant general practitioner posts with General Medical Services medical card lists in counties Cavan, Monaghan, Louth and Meath, filling these positions temporarily with locum appointments; when these vacant posts will be advertised; the number of such vacancies that exist by HSE region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43007/14]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I seek from the Minister an explanation as to the reason vacant general practitioner posts, which include GMS lists, have not been advertised and the reason these positions are being filled by locum appointments.

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

There are currently 12 vacant General Medical Services GP panels in the HSE Dublin north east region, which includes Cavan, Monaghan, Louth and Meath. Since January 2014, the HSE has advertised nine vacant panels in this region. Next month, the HSE is planning to advertise a further five posts in this region. Two of these posts are located in Cavan and are currently filled in a locum capacity. The Monaghan post is also being covered by a locum. The other two impending vacancies are due to upcoming retirements, one in Louth and one in Meath. In the meantime, both of these GPs are continuing to provide services to their patients. It is not uncommon for GMS panels to be covered by a locum GP while the recruitment process is progressing.

There are currently 18 GMS GP vacancies in the other HSE regions, three in Dublin mid-Leinster, seven in the south and eight in the west. Of these, one panel will be filled in December. Some 12 panels have already been advertised. Four panels will be advertised shortly and one panel is being dispersed among existing GPs in the relevant area.

The HSE is currently working on the development of a medical workforce planning system, which is expected to be completed by June 2015. As part of this, workforce planning for general practice will be prioritised in the development of projections based on both the supply of GPs and the demand for GP services over the next 20 years.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State indicated that these positions will be advertised but we know from the facts already to hand that there has been a small number of vacant general practitioner positions in the north east area which have not been advertised for months. She made the point that challenges can be experienced in regard to the permanent filling of general practitioner vacancies into small panels while the process is proceeding but the critical thing is that they had not been proceeding. These posts were filled by local locum appointments. There was no explanation in the Minister of State's reply as to why in regard to these vacancies - some already signalled before the exodus of the incumbent and some we already know in the Monaghan area are due to be vacated by the end of this year - we would not ensure these posts were advertised speedily in order to ensure notification and to create a general interest in taking up these essential positions in primary care across this region.

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I suppose the Deputy is more conscious, in particular in the part of the country from which he comes, that there is a difficulty in terms of GPs and getting permanent posts. We need to continue to incentivise GPs to operate in areas in which one would not have a big customer base. That is something on which we are working. The workforce planning project being undertaken will ensure that whatever steps are necessary in order to ensure that we have cover throughout the country will be put in place. It is not as if we have not sought, within the system itself, GPs who may be able to spilt up the GMS panel and operate it among themselves, which is often the answer because it gives an increased customer base and increased revenue to a practice. There is, however, a difficulty in regard to particular areas of the country and we are very aware of that.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

With respect, I do not think that is the answer. Only 24 general practitioners currently serve the county of Monaghan, which still has a significant population. It is also an extensive geographic area. Any contraction in the number of general practitioners would be a significant back slide in terms of primary care provision. None of the Minister of State's answers have given any clarity to the situation. If we have difficulties in attracting general practitioners to take up positions in what might be suggested to be less lucrative locations, and I acknowledge that can be the case, then surely we would not delay making the information available.

Why would the advertising be delayed? What other considerations explain the inordinate delay in some of these cases? It is beyond understanding. A proactive approach on the part of the HSE would ensure a greater interest through awareness and advertising. That has to be the way to entice and encourage people to take up any of these positions. The client base depending on those practices is very anxious to ensure that there is certainty and a future for that service.

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I do not disagree with the Deputy but we have to ensure that, ideally, a locum system is put in place with the person who intends to retire. Location is often a big part of the difficulty but I take on board what the Deputy says.